Changes rung: Naveed Akram Cheema named new team manager

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reappointed Naveed Akram Cheema as team manager ahead of the 2015 World Cup in place of Moin Khan as the board continues to remove officials from dual roles.
Cheema had served Pakistan before as well during Mohsin Khan’s tenure as coach and is regarded as a strict manager.
There had been strong speculation in the last few days that Cheema will take over as team manager once his tenure of Punjab Chief Secretary ends.
However, Moin will still be part of the World Cup squad and will travel in capacity of chief selector in the mega event to be played in Australia and New Zealand.
Moin met with PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan, Chairman Executive Committee Najam Sethi and PCB Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad to discuss his role on future tours.
The chairman explained the PCB Governing Board’s decision on doing away with dual roles, and asked Moin to stay on as chief selector as part of the squad for the ICC World Cup 2015, which Moin accepted.
“Moin has rendered excellent service in his capacity as team manager and it’s extremely heartening to note that he has agreed to continue to work as chief selector,” said Shaharyar.
“It was important for us to not only implement the board’s decision on dual roles but also to provide continuity in policies; hence, the decision to send him as chief selector for the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Moin stated that selection remains his main priority and he wants to select a team which can win the 2015 World Cup.
“I’m thankful of the board for showing confidence in my ability and I go along with the decision of the board on dual roles,” said Moin.
“My priority is to select a team that has the capability to win the world cup. Together I hope we would be able to achieve this objective.”
The PCB will review Moin’s role as chief selector on tour after the World Cup, but till then he will continue travelling with the side on tour of New Zealand, as well as the mega event.